NCL PANAMA CANAL CRUISE Jan. 15-30, 2010

Miami

Winter is here; we’re ready for our Latin American cruise. We wrongfully anticipate a nightmare of personal intrusiveness and stress at the Sacramento Airport; but it’s a cinch. The true nightmare begins at the Miami airport as we wait over an hour for the hotel shuttle. And another hour to check in.

After dinner we find the shower doesn’t work and can’t be fixed. The front desk: we’re full; no other rooms. I’m not sleeping in a room without a shower, so we insist. Finally the maintenance guy finds us a new room. Fourteen hours after leaving home, we get to go to bed.

The next day we listen while other guests tell there own horror stories: duplicate keys given to occupied rooms, unresponsive front desk, creepy feel, unorganized shuttles, etc. Cannot recommend the Rodeway in Miami for any creature living or dead.

NCL Star Setting Sail

A quick 20 minute, $20 cab ride helps us escape from the nightmare into the daylight as we check-in at the NCL Star. Process includes ID photos, credit establishment, and mini-health questionnaire (any diarrhea or vomiting in the last 48 hours?). We explore the ship for several hours and enjoy our first lunch while our stateroom is readied at 2 p.m. More exploring before a pool BBQ and back to our room to watch the Saints trounce Arizona.

An important activity while cruising is people watching – also known as people critiquing. I wasn’t aware that people could get that fat or that skin could stretch that far. Couldn’t believe the number of really fat people, I mean fat. God help you if you got behind them; you’d be there forever watching this flesh slosh and ripple and undulate.

Since the passengers’ average age must be over 80, it’s amazing how many still have hairdos from the 50’s. And the definition of Resort Casual escapes most. If this is dress-up, I’d hate to see sloppy.

Home for many of the passengers is Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Latinos, Asians, and Sweden, plus the usual U.S. traveler. And since most old people look alike, you couldn’t tell their origin until they opened their mouths to speak. The crew of 1,100 represents 56 countries, 2/3 from the Philippines.

At the end of the first day we give permission to ourselves: Relax. Enjoy.

Today is our first full day at sea. Last night we sailed from Miami and went thru the passage between Haiti and Cuba. The ship established a Haitian donation fund. We mainly roam and familiarize ourselves with this ship; it is 965’ long and has at least 10 decks open to explore.

Our first talk on the next port is disappointing. The ‘talk’ is 50 minutes on how to buy Colombian emeralds and 10 minutes on the port. Cartegena is a beautiful port city. It deserves more than 10 minutes, but they want to sell their tours and have the passengers buy emeralds. We were looking for an educational lecture on Cartegena and we got bling.

The food at Aqua is very good. We shared a table with other people, nice people we never saw again, so we never shared again. We preferred our own company. Sharing tables is the only way NCL promotes meeting other people.

Everyday we have breakfast and lunch in the Market Café buffet. The food is well prepared, fresh and of a good variety. Finding seating can be a challenge; people sit and stay. And some stay for dinner too even though the two-included restaurants (Aqua & Versailles), have excellent food. All we can figure is that they want to eat a lot (and it shows), they don’t want to get dressed (no shorts or tank tops etc allowed), or they feel comfortable in a buffet. Who knows?

Every day we spend several hours in the Spinnaker Lounge working our way thru the ship’s daily crossword, sudokus and progressive trivia. This comfy lounge at the bow of the ship is an excellent place to sit and allow the passing sea to mesmerize us. This is a good place to watch the horizon for pirates and icebergs.

And the horizon is always just sky and water. The sea just goes on and on. It’s vast and deep.

At 10 a.m. the captain’s voice comes over the loudspeaker with daily log entries. His strong Swedish accent can make it hard to understand him sometimes, but we get the idea.

After lunch we can relax on our balcony, lose a few bucks in the casino, hit a few golf balls, toss a basketball, stroll the decks, or have our daily ice cream cone. We skipped playing goofy golf, but it was fun to watch. (Goofy golf is playing golf the stairs.)

NCL Star Cartagena Colombia

Our first stop was Cartagena, Colombia. This lovely colonial seaside city of a million or so people made a very pleasant stop. We found the historic area clean and colorful. Our guide was lively and informative. (Interest point: he stressed how useful the US dollars were helping eradicate the cartels from Cartagena and most of Colombia.) Our tour took us up to the Monastery de la Popa, past the Castillo de San Felipe (supposedly the fort used in Romancing the Stone), the old slave quarters now quaint market stalls selling very nice and sometimes sophisticated handicrafts. We skipped the emerald shops.

Like most non-U.S. cities, passenger cars are numerous but petite; a lot of teeny Chevy’s, Fords and KIAs.

Boarding the ship was a little tedious today – longer lines waiting in the sun. But not many really complained about sun knowing the temperature back home.

This temperature did encourage nighttime strolls on the top deck. On one saunter, we heard a little cricket chirping. We heard no answering chirp; poor lonely cricket. Wonder how many other critters are stowing away and possibly contaminating new lands. A lot I bet.

NCL Star Panama Canal

Very early on January 20 we enter the Panama Canal. Dawn. Pink skies and misty jungles. It will take us all day to traverse the 48 miles of the complex. There are 3 locks, Gatun, Pedro Miquel and Miraflores; each takes 1-1 ½ hours to pass thru. Our average speed is 3.9 knots or about 4.5 miles per hour. Glad we are on the starboard side of the ship because we have shade on our side of the ship in this hot humid climate.

We are enthralled at everything: the locks, Gatun Dam (on the Chagres River), Gatun Lake, passing thru the one-lane narrow ‘Culebra Cut’, the Centennial Bridge, the Bridge of the Americas, crossing the Continental Divide. The French tried unsuccessfully and expensively to dig a channel thru the country. The American plan of locks was genius. Panama can receive 200 inches of annual rainfall which supplies Gatun Lake with fills the locks when needed. Ships are raised 26 meters (85 feet), the level of Gatun Lake, and then lowered on the other end.

Any ship may use the Canal with certain rules. They make reservations although slots can be bought, they pay first (The cost for the Norwegian Star to pass through is $347,000.), and they accept a pilot. When the Battleship Missouri went thru, it required 5 pilots). Small locomotives called ‘mules’ guide ships thru the locks.

Wherever we wander on the ship today, we cannot take our eyes away from the passing scenery. We came to see the Panama Canal and we were not disappointed.

For the next 10 days we will be on the Pacific Ocean. The wildlife: whale spouts (just spouts), dolphins (not as many as I hoped for), 10-12 inch wide sea turtles (a lot of these), gliding seabirds of all sorts, a couple of larger fish, but not much else.

NCL Star Costa Rica & Guatemala

Our second port is Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Larry does adventure; I do the spa. What would you choose? Buckled into a zip line flying thru the jungle or a full body massage? We made our choices. Larry had fun and I was healed. Until the masseuse, Radicka from Romania, kneaded and pummeled by muscles causing great pain, I didn’t realize how knotted up my body was. Several days later I was black and blue, but I felt invigorated. It improved my posture. When Larry returned from his adventure, I told him, “I signed you up for a massage.” He thought I was kidding. “Nope, and you cancel; I insist you go.” He enjoyed it.

I held back from buying the three eye renewal creams. $200 was bit much for me. Guess I’ll just have to age like everyone else I know.

Most people (except the really fat people – too far from food?) left the ship; I wandered and photographed the various rooms and spaces. I also found a food that fails: NCL’s french fries at The Grill are like little strips of leather. I ate them anyway.

Arrived today at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. Really a working port there’s not much to do. But we strike out on our own, browsing the flea market and taking a free shuttle to a marina restaurant with free wi-fi. Their cerviche is tasty and the beer hits the spot. Getting the return shuttle was a bit hairy, but we finally get back.

Spent the evening in our stateroom watching the AFC/NFC playoffs. Conundrum time: what would be better – home with its 52” TV, easy access to the frig and 45 degree weather or this little 12 inch TV, easy access to our fridge for beer and 95 degrees. Such a decision.

NCL Star Huatulco Mexico

We awake early arriving into Huatulco, Mexico. The sea is rougher. Doesn’t bother us, but they have laid out ‘barf’ bags by the elevators. Some people won’t be making breakfast today. After about an hour or two, the seas calm down and we all can walk normally again instead of looking like a bunch of drunken sailors.

Huatulco is a warm and friendly little port with some upscale shops and the best margaritas – lime and rum. This place has great potential. Almost wish it would stay like this with its little beach bars. Balmy breeze, little table by the water, sand for floor, palapas for shade – paradise.

Another conundrum: Larry asked me a question I could not answer. When I said it would be nice to winter here, he seriously wondered what we would do for 4-6 weeks here. Would there be a difference doing nothing here as opposed to doing nothing at home? We wouldn’t be freezing.

NCL Star Acapulco

Early today we sail into the good harbor of Acapulco. Compared to Huatulco this is a metropolis. Tall residential pleasure palaces encircle the harbor. It’s probably what every sleepy seaside village in the world wants to be, but it takes big money and big advertising.

Touring on our own again we explore San Pedro Fort which is right beside our ship. We learned a lot about Acapulco’s long history, especially as a Spanish trade center with Manila. And about the growth of pirates from England and France who wanted to cut into Spain’s hold on the market.

Walked up to the flea market with our impromptu guide. He stuck with us like gum on your shoe. He wanted to show us his family’s shop. Checked it out, but mostly junk.

We’ll keep Acapulco on our list of “possible return locations”. It has great potential.

Tonight: White Hot Hot White Party in the Spinnaker Lounge. Good DJ and good mojitos. Mojitos come in special souvenir glasses with flashing lights. Lots of dancing (by others). Good party.

Tonight the seas are so smooth, almost glassy. The ¾ moon gives the sea a mysterious glow. The misty edge of the horizon holds mystery.

We’re still off the Coast of Mexico somewhere between Ixtapa and Puerto Vallarta. The farther north we go, the lower the temperature goes. It’s now only 78! We both vow to “get away’ again next winter.

Today our neighbor made us laugh. I pointed out a dolphin in the water right by the boat. He flew into his cabin to get his wife tripping on a little table as he went. She comes out and in true French fashion, shrugs and goes back inside.

Didn’t miss the State of the Union speech tonight.

NCL Star Cabo San Lucas

Woke up today at our last foreign port – Cabo san Lucas. Larry has Montezuma’s Revenge and probably won’t enjoy this port as much as he could. Don’t know where or what contaminated his stomach, but Imodium and Pepto-Bismol fix well enough to take the tender to the marina and walk around. A couple of good flea markets. Had to have fish tacos. Larry just nibbled on mine.

As our cruise comes to an end, we both agree we enjoyed this trip and look forward to another one.

Shows have been entertaining. Accommodations are comfortable. Crew is friendly, accommodating and efficient.

It’s getting cooler as we get closer to the U.S. People are no longer hanging out by the pool in swimsuits. Now it’s jackets and hats.

NCL Star Long Beach Disembarkation

Another sea day before we dock in Long Beach and fly home. We just relax.

Disembarkation is confusing and puzzling, but in the end it all works out. Wait for our luggage tag color to be called, line up for the Spinnaker Lounge, sit in the Spinnaker Lounge, stand in another line for the custom officers then off the ship to find our luggage also organized by tag color.

We had received a letter regarding disembarkation, which had our color coded luggage tags. It promised a voucher for the shuttle to the airport. The front desk couldn’t verify we were on the list and we never received a voucher. We were able to board the bus and get to the airport for our flight home. We were supposed to have received custom forms, but we had to go find them.

NCL Star Mini-suite description:

Shower/Bath water control – right side controls the temperature, left side controls the water flow. Pleasant liquid soap and shampoo. TV channels – CNN, Headline news, ESPN, 2 movie channels, FOX TV, Ship services, safety, Stocked mini frig. Sofa suitable for one person. Two comfortable twin beds. Small cocktail table. Heavy curtain separating the sitting area from the bedroom. One American type plug (bring an extension cord). No clock, bring a small alarm clock. Plenty of closet space plus 2 drawers. Tub with shower. Plenty of hooks. Two temperature controls that work very well; room is always comfortable.

NCL Star Good things, Observations, Disappointments & Suggestions:

Good Things & Observations

The farther we get from land, the darker it gets and the brighter the stars get.

We learned that 2 people can share 268 square feet with certain alterations of personal procedures, which mainly being one person can’t hog the bathroom.

Food is excellent except for French fries at The Grill.

Professional and enjoyable entertainment

Disappointments, etc.

Our cabin is between 2 smokers making our balcony useless at times.

Bathtub stopper difficult to use.

Room steward just told us about the door ‘wheel’; turn it for “do not disturb”, “make up the room”, etc.

Bed linens are very good quality, but they are noisy. I’m not used to sheets that make so much noise when turning over. Wish they had a light blanket instead of a duvet; they are too warm.

Our steward didn’t give us a mini-fridge price list until day 10.

We purchased the 12 wine bottles to take advantage of the 20% discount. Wish we had known that the restaurant would save opened bottles for the next day. We probably wouldn’t have bought the 12 bottles. The bucket of beer is a good deal (6 for the price of 5).

Tipping policy at specialty restaurants is confusing. We finally agree that if the service is good, we will tip a few extra dollars. Right or wrong, it’s our policy.

Wish the port talks were really about the ports and not just about emeralds and diamonds.

It would be nice if they turned down the music when the Captain is giving his “report of the day”.

The movies at the cinema and on the TV are good quality just wish there were more of them. Two weeks requires more than 7 or 8 movies. It would also be nice if they played different music on more channels on the TV such as jazz or classical, big band, etc. Glad we brought an IPOD and plug in player.

The photos are too expensive; $12.99 for an 8 x 6? Portrait service might be a good deal though.

Wish they had a better way to wait for the front desk other than line up down the hall.

Front desk needs to be aware of shuttle procedures.